All of eastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota are in moderate drought. A seasonal drought outlook by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center shows that the conditions in that region are expected to persist or intensify through June. Drought also is expected to develop in much of the rest of the eastern half of the Dakotas.

South Dakota State University Extension Climate Field Specialist Laura Edwards says the April climate forecast is one factor considered in the seasonal drought outlook, and the forecast suggests lower-than-average precipitation.